William E Dougherty

Title: William E Dougherty: Innovator in Logic Circuit Optimization

Introduction

William E Dougherty is a notable inventor based in Pleasant Valley, NY (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of logic circuit optimization, holding two patents that address critical challenges in the design and performance of VLSI chips. His work is particularly relevant as the complexity of chip design continues to increase.

Latest Patents

Dougherty's latest patents include a method for enabling multiple incompatible or costly timing environments for efficient timing closure. This method involves performing static timing analysis based on slack values to verify and optimize logic designs. It includes selecting circuits with known input values, identifying critical inputs that control output arrival times, and computing slack based on arrival time differences. The design optimization utilizes a reverse merge margin design metric to determine the necessary improvements in input arrival times.

Another significant patent is focused on the optimization of logic circuits for routability. As wiring congestion becomes a critical issue in VLSI chip design, this invention aims to optimize congestion early in technology-independent synthesis. By limiting optimization to the scope of logic synthesis, Dougherty's approach produces more predictable implementations that enhance routability and yield.

Career Highlights

William E Dougherty is currently employed at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he continues to innovate in the field of electronic design automation. His work has had a profound impact on the efficiency and performance of modern chip designs.

Collaborations

Dougherty has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Victor N Kravets and Prabhakar Nandavar Kudva. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of technology in the field of logic circuit optimization.

Conclusion

William E Dougherty's contributions to the field of logic circuit optimization through his innovative patents have made a significant impact on the industry. His work at IBM and collaborations with other experts highlight his commitment to advancing technology in electronic design.